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Possible Immune Factors In Spontaneous Regression Of Bronchogenic Carcinoma. Ten Year Survival In A Patient Treated With Minimal (1,200 R) Radiation Alone

Bell, J. W. 1970Lung cancer

Bell J. W. (1970). Possible immune factors in spontaneous regression of bronchogenic carcinoma. Ten year survival in a patient treated with minimal (1,200 r) radiation alone. American journal of surgery, 120(6), 804–806. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9610(70)80054-x

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Abstract

Cancer chemoprevention is defined as the use of natural, synthetic, or biologic chemical agents to reverse, suppress, or prevent carcinogenic progression to invasive cancer. The success of several recent clinical trials in preventing cancer in high-risk populations suggests that chemoprevention is a rational and appealing strategy. This review will highlight current clinical research in chemoprevention, the biologic effects of chemopreventive agents on epithelial carcinogenesis, and the usefulness of intermediate biomarkers as markers of premalignancy. Selected chemoprevention trials are discussed with a focus on strategies of trial design and clinical outcome. Future directions in the field of chemoprevention will be proposed that are based on recently acquired mechanistic insight into carcinogenesis.

Case Details

Disease Location

Left lung

Personal Characteristics

37-year-old white male

Clinical Characteristics

Left thoracotomy revealed upper lobe tumor presenting on visceral & parietal surfaces tumor extended into the hilum of upper lobe & beneath aortic arch no resection considered possible

Remission Characteristics

When seen 5.5 mths later, patient had gained 40 lbs & chest film essentially cleared of previous lesion patient followed-up at yearly intervals thereafter--> chest film remained clear up to 10 years interval

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Demonstrated to have cellular immunity against lung tumors of similar histologic type

Clinical Treatment

During first 2 postoperative weeks, given total tumor dose of 1200 r through anterior & posterior portals manifested fever from 100-103 f during this period